When was the last time you got a special price for your internet or phone service? Or when did you get a discount on dinner out? It was probably the last time you spoke up and asked for it.
In this world of competition bordering on cut throat tactics, consumers often have the edge - if we just take it. Businesses want your business, so if you tell them you're looking for a great deal, they will often deal with you.
If you see a "hooker" ad (one that promises a low fee for a limited time, but requires a contract of three to four times that), and you're already a customer, call the company and ask if they would give you the same courtesy. Why not? They can't say anything but "no," and they might very well say yes. They want to keep you as a customer, even if it means cutting your price temporarily.
If you see an ad from a competitor promising a good deal, call up your company and tell them you're considering switching. (You ARE considering it, but you don't have to actually switch.)
If you're having a hard time paying the bill, tell them so. Tell them that you'd like to remain a customer but simply can't afford it. They will usually work a deal with you.
I was able to get a great deal with my phone/DSL company recently. I called to tell them that DH was retiring, and we were going to have to drastically reduce our budget. Could they please offer some other plans for us to lower our monthly cost? The customer service rep was very, very helpful. It was so refreshing that she was working for our continued business, not just trying to make a buck for the company. (We use AT&T, which has always been a good company for us.) A few months later, I noticed our bill wasn't as low as I had expected. I called again and asked if we could drop our landline, but keep our DSL. Again, the customer service rep was extremely kind and dropped our line with no questions asked. So, it really does help to speak up. It's YOUR money, so keep as much of it as you can!
ReplyDeleteYou just made my point perfectly.:)
ReplyDeleteThere is a expression: "If you don't ask-You don't get".
ReplyDeleteFindSavings, you hit the nail on the head.:)
ReplyDeleteGood Speak Up
ReplyDelete